Meet the Mathematical Sciences Department

Student of the Month

Name: Cristian MacLeod

Hometown: Buffalo, New York

Option: Statistics (and a major in Public Policy Analysis from

Public and Environmental Affairs)

Career Aspirations:

Christian plans to attend law school and earn a master’s degree in applied statistics at The Ohio State University. He is also considering earning a degree in political campaign management at George Washington University. With his interest in political strategy, he intends to work in political campaign management. He wants to use his law background and statistical skills to lobby for people who will bring about change, such as enacting stronger crime legislation.

Why Chose Math:

Before starting at IPFW, Christian owned his own business in web design and consulting. For one of his clients, he regularly analyzed data on the performance of wrestlers, the idea being to rank them. He enjoyed the process of developing a mathematical model that weights various measures to create the ranking scheme. He indicates that he sees applications of mathematics and statistics in many different areas, such as public affairs.

Why Came to IPFW:

While still living in Buffalo, where unemployment was on the rise and the average salary was on the decline, Christian decided to make a change of residence. He obtained a list of the top cities in the country and assigned them scores, creating his own index based on variables such as the cost of food items, housing, etc. He happened to be watching an IHL hockey game at the time, saw a commercial by the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, and decided to throw Fort Wayne into the mix of cities. His mathematical model put Fort Wayne at the top of the list, prompting his move here. Once here, he checked out the math departments of the area universities. He chose IPFW based on the strengths of its faculty and the variety of course offerings.

Interests:

Christian loves sports, especially hockey (go Komets!) and lacrosse. He also is an avid reader with an interest in anything political, especially concerning the history of the electoral college. He would like to go down in history as the person responsible for reforming the electoral college in this country.

Best Experience at IPFW:

Christian’s best experience at IPFW is being president of the PI Math Club. It has afforded him the opportunity to work with peers and faculty, both socially and academically. He hopes to leave a legacy behind through the creation of a local chapter of the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematical Honor Society at IPFW.

Favorite Movie: The American President

Favorite Author: Raymond Feist, who writes mostly fantasy and

comparative history

Proudest Accomplishment:

Christian’s proudest recent accomplishment is being awarded the Lowell Beineke Scholarship this year. He finds it rewarding to be acknowledged by people he respects in a field he finds interesting. He is also proud of his work at the Red Cross. He found the humanitarian experience of working there second to none. He would strongly encourage people to consider working for a non-profit organization. His goal is to earn enough money early in his career, so that later in life he can volunteer his time to worthwhile causes.